Chorioretinitis is an inflammation of the choroid, a lining of the retina deep in the eye. This inflammation can affect vision.
You should see your doctor as soon as you suspect you have this condition because it is often caused by a more serious condition. Also, some cases of chorioretinitis can lead to permanent vision loss, especially if not treated promptly.
Causes
Chorioretinitis may be caused by infection or by autoimmune diseases, including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis. It is sometimes caused by an infection that you experienced when you were young; symptoms of chorioretinitis may not appear for 10-20 years.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chances of developing chorioretinitis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
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If you have or have had an autoimmune or infectious disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, or tuberculosis
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to chorioretinitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions as well. If you experience any one of them, see your eye doctor immediately.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including illnesses and injuries, and perform a physical exam.
To prepare for a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor may put drops in your eyes to numb them and to dilate the pupils. The slit lamp, a special microscope to examine the eye, will focus a high powered beam of light into your eye to examine the cornea and other structures in your eye.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Medications recommended will vary depending on the cause of the chorioretinitis. Steroid (anti-inflammatory) eye drops are the most common treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe oral medications. If the chorioretinitis is related to an active infection, then antibiotic medications may be used as well. Your doctor may also prescribe dilating drops, which help prevent the iris from sticking to the lens underneath and reduce discomfort. However, these drops will increase glare and light sensitivity.
Also, if your doctor determines that the chorioretinitis was caused by another medical disorder, your doctor will treat the underlying condition as well. Most likely your doctor will order tests to try to determine the cause of your chorioretinitis.
Prevention
Because chorioretinitis is often caused by infections or systemic illnesses, take the following steps to help reduce your chances of getting the condition:
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See your doctor for an eye exam if you have any eye pain or vision problems or any other problems with your eyes.
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If you have any autoimmune diseases, follow your doctor’s recommendations closely regarding treatment of the illness.
RESOURCES:
National Eye Institute, US National Institutes of Health
http://www.nei.nih.gov/index.asp
St. Luke’s Retina Institute
http://www.theretinasource.com/default.htm
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Optometrists
http://www.opto.ca/en/public/
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.eyesite.ca/
References:
Figueroa BG, Navas MP, Navas GA. Value of PCR for detection of Toxoplasma gondii in aqueous humor and blood samples from immunocompetent patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. National Center for Biomedical Information (NCBI)/PubMed website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10523535&query_hl=1. Accessed August 14, 2005.
Lanzafame M, Trevenzoli M, Vento S, Parrinello A. Clinical picture: tuberculous Chorioretinitis. Lancet. 2001;357(9266):1390.
Nguyen, QV. Chorioretinitis. E-medicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic393.htm. Accessed August 14, 2005.
Yang MB. Patient complains of blurry vision in right eye for 2 weeks. Ophthalmology times. 1997;22(12):18-20.
